Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq

Abstract

The quality of groundwater in the studied area are related to the reservoir rock types, which are mainly represented by the dolomitic limestone of Pila Spi Formation, the limestone and gypsum of Fat’ha Formation, the sandstone of Injana Formation, the sandstone of Muqdadiya Formation. These rocks exposed at the feet of Bashiqa and Ain Al-Safra mountains. The ability of minerals in these rocks to dissolve under weathering conditions also affects water quality. The water quality index (WQI) was calculated to determine its suitability for domestic uses based on the physical (pH, E.C, T.D.S and T.H) and chemical (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl- and NO3-) specifications of forty-one wells. The distribution of wells was determined according to their specifications. In general, the study area was divided from north to south into six regions with QWI; excellent water, good water, unsuitable water, poor water quality, while the area adjacent to Ain Al-Sufra Mountain has a good water, and the area located to the southwest towards the Tigris River is very poor water. The SAR ratio (< 10) and the sodium percentage (SSP% < 75%) indicated a low soda content, the amount of RSBC < 1.25 meq L-, the Kelly ratio (KR < 1) and permeability index (PI < 75%) have no effect on the soil properties and no negative impacts on the quality of irrigation water, thus the well water source is suitable for irrigating most crops and all types of soil.

Keywords

• WQI
• water assessment
• water quality
• groundwater
• Nineveh

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